Waterproof cuff assembly for outer wear garment

ABSTRACT

A waterproof cuff assembly for securement to the free end of a sleeve of an outer wear garment, such as a fishing jacket, skiing jacket, or the like. The waterproof cuff assembly comprises an outer cuff, and a tubular sock; the components are sewn together and the seams are sealed by seaming tape. A cinch strap extends laterally about the exterior of the longitudinally extending tubular sock; when tightened, in cooperation with a keeper, the strap divides the sock into two, interacting sections, namely, a cuff extension and a wristlet. The cuff extension is sewn into the free end of a sleeve, and is tucked, or folded, into the sleeve. The size of the fold, when unfurled, controls the extent of longitudinal movement of the wristlet. The cinch strap, when tightened, retains the wristlet in fixed position, and does not allow the wristlet to slide along the wrist of the user into the finger area, despite vigorous movement of the arms of the wearer of the garment. The cinch strap also provides a barrier to the entry of moisture, through the cuff assembly, and into the interior of the jacket.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a waterproof cuff assembly for an outer wear garment, such as a fishing jacket, skiing jacket, or the like, that prevents moisture from entering the interior of the garment via the cuff.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Various attempts have been made to provide a waterproof cuff that prevents, or at least minimizes, the entry of moisture into the interior of an outer wear, or athletic, wear garment. The moisture diminishes the insulation characteristics of the outer wear garment, particularly under cold and wet climatic conditions, and limits the wearer's ability to engage, in comfort, in outdoor activities, such as fishing, jogging, walking, skiing, etc.

To illustrate, U.S. Pat. No. 4,023,223, granted May 17, 1977, to A. A. Anderson et al, discloses an emergency suit for covering, and protecting, the entire body of the wearer against exposure in water. The suit comprises a single garment with inner 6 and outer 7 layers, and water excluding seals 12, 13, 14, 16, etc. at the ankle, wrist, and neck portions. Small vents are located at each extremity to provide access for air and water into the space 10 defined between the inner and outer layers, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, and as described in column 3, lines 8-334. Sealing bands 12 reduce the rate of ingress of air and water. The water and air trapped between the layers of the suit promote buoyancy within the suit.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,114,200, granted Sep. 19, 1978, to Linda H. Smith, discloses a liquid impervious cuff assembly 1 for a disposable surgical gown 2 or the like, comprising a stockinette folded back upon itself to form a double-walled, substantially cylindrical cuff envelope 3 folded at its forward end, open at its rearward end, and having inner and outer walls 4, 5. A layer 8 of liquid impervious material, as described in detail at column 3, line 62—column 4, line 22, is located between the inner and outer walls of the cuff envelope. The open end of the cuff envelope, and the fluid impervious layer located between the walls thereof, are attached to the free end of a sleeve of a surgical gown.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,631,753, granted Dec. 30, 1986, to Carolyn C. Ehring, discloses a sleeve 12 for fire protection, and a thermal layer sleeve 14 positioned therewithin, as shown in FIG. 1. The sleeve attachment comprises a detachable wristlet assembly 16 including a tubular wristlet 18 and a flexible sleeve member 20 circumferentially secured to the tubular wristlet. The flexible sleeve member is provided with cooperating (hook) fasteners 30 that cooperate with(eye) fasteners on the outer end of the thermal layer for establishing a removable, circumferential attachment between the flexible sleeve member and the inner thermal layer, as shown in FIG. 2. The wristlet can extend through the central opening in tubular water well member 50, as shown in FIG. 3. The water well member traps fluid that may fall into the annular trough when a fire fighter, wearing the coat, discharges a hose, in a vertical orientation. Eyelets 64 allow the captured water to drain out of the trough.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,800,595, granted Jan. 31, 1989, to Robert H. Askew, discloses a circular seal system suitable for use on protective, outer wear garments. The system 20 is comprised of a drawline 21 having one end 22 secured to the article or clothing (such as sleeve 24, and a free end 28 adapted to be led along the circumference of the article to a return anchor point 25, and led back along itself to a pivoting anchor point 27 attached near the attached end of the drawline. The return anchor is attached to the article at a point along the circumference opposite the attached end of the drawline, as shown in FIG. 2. A pocket 30 is used to enclose the drawline and assist in providing a more generally radial collapse, when the drawline is pulled to tighten the sleeve around the arm of the wearer.

However, known waterproof cuffs lack the ability to move in a telescoping manner relative to the garment to which they are secured, from a position of repose to an extended position. Also, known waterproof cuffs are not anchored, by an adjustable strap, and keeper, to the wrist of the wearer, so that the waterproof seal remains intact when the arm of the wearer is extended or retracted. Known waterproof cuffs tend to ride up, or slide along, the arm of the wearer, particularly when the arm of the wearer is extended, as may occur in fishing, skiing, and diverse athletic endeavors involving vigorous movement of the arms of the wearer; such movement interferes with the hand and fingers of the wearer during the athletic endeavor, and may diminish the accuracy of the endeavor, such as casting a line in fishing, or handling a ski pole, firing a rifle, etc.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Thus, with the deficiencies of known waterproof cuffs clearly in mind, the present invention contemplates a waterproof cuff assembly that is secured to the free end of the sleeve of an outer wear garment in a unique manner. The seams of the waterproof cuff assembly are sealed in a waterproof manner.

The waterproof cuff assembly comprises an outer cuff and a tubular sock that are sewn together. A cinch strap fits about the exterior of the sock, and when tightened, divides same into a cuff extension and a wristlet. The method of joining the components of the cuff assembly together, and the sequence of steps involved in such process, are novel in concept and implementation.

The cinch strap is secured about the wrist of the wearer of the jacket and, in conjunction with a keeper, anchors the waterproof cuff assembly on the wrist of the wearer. The waterproof cuff assembly remains in a fixed position when the cinch strap is tightened, despite extension or retraction of the arm of the wearer, and does not slide along the arm of the wearer into the finger region.

The cinch strap draws the tubular sock snugly against the wrist of the wearer. The cinch strap utilizes a keeper, such as Velcro fasteners, or a buckle and strap arrangement, so that the cinch strap functions satisfactorily over the range of wrist sizes for different persons.

The cinch strap, when tightened, divides the tubular sock into two halves, namely, a cuff extension located between the cuff liner and the cinch strap, and a wristlet extending outwardly from the cinch strap toward the fingers of the wearer of the garment. The cuff extension is folded, or tucked, inwardly, to define a normal, retracted position for the wristlet, and is extended longitudinally, or drawn outwardly, to accommodate the extension of the arm of the wearer. The wristlet is locked in fixed position by the cinch strap and keeper, and does not interfere with the extension, or retraction, of the arm of the wearer. The wearer might extend, and retract, his arm repetitively, during fishing, sailing, skiing, skating, etc. without any interferences from the wristlet.

The tubular sock consists of lengths of waterproof material sewn together along longitudinal seams. Seaming tape covers the seams and maintains same waterproof. The sock is turned inside out and sewn into the sleeves, so that the outwardly facing, folded over edge of the sock is unbroken and impervious to penetration by moisture.

Other advantages attributable to the instant invention will occur to the skilled artisan when the appended drawings are construed in harmony with the specification of the instant invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an outer wear garment employing applicant's unique waterproof cuff assembly;

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the components of the waterproof cuff assembly;

FIG. 3 a is a plan view of a fragment of a sleeve of the outer wear garment of FIG. 1, with the waterproof cuff assembly secured thereto;

FIG. 3 b is a plan view similar to FIG. 3 a, but showing the sleeve and the waterproof cuff assembly turned inside out with seam tape applied thereto;

FIG. 4 is a plan view showing the waterproof cuff assembly, in its position of repose, relative to the sleeve;

FIG. 5 is a plan view showing the waterproof cuff assembly in its extended position, relative to the sleeve;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing the waterproof cuff assembly, in its position of repose relative to the hand of a wearer of the waterproof garment of FIG. 1; and

FIG. 7 is a perspective view, similar to FIG. 6, but showing the waterproof cuff assembly in its extended condition relative to the hand of the wearer.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring now to the drawings, FIG. 1 shows an outer wear garment 10, such as a fishing jacket. Jacket 10 comprises left front panel 12, right front panel 14, and back panel 16; a zipper, or other fastener (not shown), secures panels 12 and 14 together to seal the jacket about the chest and stomach of the wearer, and vertically extending flap 17 protects the fastener. Stretch panel 18 encircles the collar and neck of the wearer and attaches the hood 20 to the body of the jacket. The hood, with visor 22, fits snugly over the head of the wearer. Left shoulder panel 24 extends away from stretch panel 18, and left sleeve 26 extends from panel 24. Right shoulder panel 28 extends away from stretch panel 18, and right sleeve 30 extends from panel 28.

Waterproof cuff assembly 32 is secured to the free end of sleeve 26, while an identical waterproof cuff assembly 34 is secured to the free end of sleeve 30. Waterproof pants 36, made of a material similar to that used for jacket 10, complete the clothing worn to protect against the climatic conditions, particularly moisture. A high storm collar 38 extends about the neck of the wearer of garment 10 to keep moisture from entering the garment through the neck opening.

Jacket 10 comprises an outer shell, that is light in weight, weatherproof, and has sufficient porosity to allow the perspiration vapor of the wearer to escape; one commercially available material that satisfies these criteria is a textured, two-layer laminated film, manufactured by W.L. Gore-Tex Fabric Co., under the brand, GORE-TEX. Additional details of the jacket may be gathered from U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,138,717; 5,218,710; and 6,052,826, granted to Gary A. Tolton, the inventor of the instant waterproof cuff assembly.

FIG. 2 reveals the components that comprise waterproof cuff assembly 32. Since waterproof cuff assembly 34 is identical to assembly 32, only assembly 32 is shown and described in detail.

Waterproof cuff assembly 32 comprises outer cuff 40, and tubular sock 44. Tubular sock 44 includes cinch strap 46, which extends laterally about the exterior of the sock, and divides the sock into cuff extension 48 and wristlet 50. Cinch strap 46, which is located in the central section of sock 44, includes keeper 52 that receives the free end of the strap. The strap employs hook and eye fasteners 54 to retain the strap in its adjusted condition.

FIG. 3 a shows cuff assembly 32 secured to the free end of sleeve 26. The inner end of outer cuff 40 is sewn into sleeve 26 along seam 56. Tubular sock 44 is sewn into the outer end of outer cuff 40 along seam 58. Sock 44 is slightly tapered along its longitudinal extent; the end of the sock sewn into outer cuff 40 is somewhat larger than the opposite, or leading end.

FIG. 3 b shows cuff assembly 32 in its turned inside-out, or everted, condition. Such condition prevails during the assembly and joinder of the components of the waterproof cuff assembly. A longitudinal seam (not shown) in sleeve 26 is covered by a length of seam tape 60. Seam 56 is covered by another strip of seam tape 61. Seam 62 extends longitudinally along the length of tubular sock 44.

FIG. 4 shows cuff assembly 32, in its position of repose, resting within outer cuff 40. Cuff extension 48 is folded, or tucked, inwardly so that wristlet 50 is centered within the outer cuff, and the projecting, or leading, edge of wristlet 50 is approximately parallel to the leading edge of outer cuff 40.

FIG. 5 shows cuff assembly 32 as wristlet 50 is withdrawn slightly from outer cuff 40. The fold in cuff extension 48 diminishes in depth as the wristlet is withdrawn. Cuff extension 48, once cinch strap 46 is tightened, governs the extent of movement of wristlet 50 relative to cuff 40 and sleeve 26.

FIG. 6 shows waterproof cuff assembly 32, in its position of repose, relative to the hand of a wearer of outer wear garment 10. The cuff assembly is retained within the confines of outer cuff 40.

FIG. 7 shows a waterproof cuff assembly 32, in its extended position, relative to the hand of a wearer of outer wear garment 10. Cinch strap 46 has been tightened, by keeper 52, thereby dividing tubular sock 44 into cuff extension 48 and wristlet 50. Cinch strap 46 is relatively broad, and presses sock snugly against the wrist of the wearer over a wide contact area to provide a physical barrier to the entry of moisture into the interior of garment 10. Lastly, cinch strap 46 serves as an anchor to prevent wristlet 50 from sliding along the wrist of the wearer, and into the area of the fingers, which might be an impediment to the wearer in performing selected functions, such as casting a fishing line, or extending one's arm to grasp a ski pole.

Modifications to applicant's waterproof cuff assembly may occur to the skilled artisan, e.g. snap fasteners may be used in lieu of hook and eye fasteners for cinch strap 46. Consequently, the appended claims should be construed broadly in a manner consistent with the spirit and scope of the waterproof assembly described above, and should not be limited to their literal terms. 

1. A waterproof cuff assembly secured to the sleeve of an outer wear garment, said assembly comprising: a) an outer cuff; b) a tubular sock; c) a cinch strap extending about the exterior of said tubular sock; d) one end of said outer cuff being sewn into the free end of said sleeve; e) one end of said tubular sock being sewn into said outer cuff; f) said cinch strap, when tightened, dividing said tubular sock into a cuff extension and a wristlet; g) said cuff extension being inserted into the interior of said outer cuff to define a fold; h) said fold being formed with sufficient depth to position the leading edoe of said tubular sock approximately in alignment with the leading edge of said outer cuff, when the waterproof cuff assembly is in its position of repose; i) said fold, when unfurled, governing the extent of longitudinal movement of said wristlet; and j) said cinch strap, when tightened, preventing the sliding movement of said cuff assembly along the wrist of a wearer of the garment to intrude into the finger area of the wearer.
 2. The waterproof cuff assembly of claim 1, wherein said tubular sock is formed of a length of waterproof material sewn together along a longitudinal seam, and folded over itself to provide a double-thickness of material with a continuous outer edge, and seam tape is applied over said seam to render said tubular sock waterproof.
 3. (canceled)
 4. (canceled)
 5. The waterproof cuff assembly of claim 1, wherein said cinch strap extends laterally about the longitudinal extent of said tubular sock, and a keeper cooperates with said cinch strap to lock said strap in fixed position upon the wrist of the wearer and serve as a barrier to the entry of moisture into the cuff assembly. 